This course will introduce students to the impact of social media on ‘mainstream’ journalism and its implications for democracy. Students will discuss emerging concepts such as participatory media, citizen journalism and procumers to evaluate the ways organized journalism has shifted after the rapid spread of web enabled media. With case studies from North America, Europe, South America and Asia, the course will also debate new challenges to journalistic profession with the rise of social media. Some of these include eroding journalistic authority, fast-time news cycles, commercial production of interactivity, fragmentation of news audiences and online abuse. How do they impact and reshape public dialogue and open communication seen as essential for a robust democracy?

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course students will

assess key concepts and arguments around the shifting role of journalism in democracy after the growth of web 2.0

strengthen practical skills to interview journalists and prepare critical evaluation of social media’s impact on journalism

think innovatively on how social media can enhance the objectives of journalism to promote open public dialogue in democratic societies